The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Brandi Cannon.
DIGEST
SB 187 Original 2023 Regular Session Kleinpeter
Present law provides that if the cremation of a body is requested, the funeral director shall
immediately notify the coroner who has jurisdiction in the death. Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that the coroner shall issue a permit for cremation if, after the necessary
investigation, he is satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Proposed law retains present law but clarifies that the investigation is of the facts surrounding the
death.
Present law provides that the coroner shall deny the permit if the investigation reveals suspicious
circumstances or the reasonable probability of the commission of a crime. Proposed law expands
the reasons for denying the permit to include any other reason that requires an autopsy be performed.
Present law further provides that the coroner may issue a permit for cremation after completion of
his investigation. Proposed law specifies that the coroner may issue the permit after completion of
the coroner's investigation, including the autopsy and necessary removal of any specimens, organs,
or other portions of the remains as provided for in present law.
Effective August 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 13:5716)